Mogo Zoo, Jamberoo Pub and Novotel Northbeach Wollongong are among a host of South Coast finalists in the 2012 NSW Tourism Awards.
Finalists for the annual competition, now in its 23rd year, were announced yesterday, with hundreds of businesses from across the state vying for a chance to take home one of the prestigious awards.
There are 31 categories, including major tourism attractions, eco-tourism, adventure tourism and luxury accommodation.
Among the Illawarra and South Coast finalists were Skydive the Beach Sydney, Silos Estate, Mollymook Beach Waterfront and Destination Wollongong: Adapting to the Changing Visitor.
Tourism Industry Council NSW general manager Andrew Jefferies said the awards showed the high calibre of tourism products available across the state.
‘‘These awards really highlight the best of what our state’s tourism industry has to offer – its diversity, product range, competition and refined development. It’s exciting to see the progress and improvement right across all categories and products,’’ Mr Jefferies said.
The winners of the state awards, to be announced at a ceremony in November, will go on to compete in the national QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards.
Illawarra and South Coast finalists:
Beachcomber Holiday Park (Bodalla)
Best Western Fairway Motor Inn (Merimbula)
Blessing of the Fleet, Ulladulla
Bodalla Dairy Cheese Factory
Destination Wollongong: Adapting to the Changing Visitor
Jamberoo Pub
Kiama Information & Visitor Centre
Mogo Zoo
Mollymook Beach Waterfront
Novotel Wollongong NorthbeachNRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Park
Sapphire Waters Motor Inn
Silos Estate
Skydive the Beach Sydney
Soul Quest Travel Tours (Eden)
Tathra Beach & Bike
The Vineyard Kitchen (Ulladulla)
Wildlife Cruises


